An IP rating is a two-digit code, like IP67 or IP68, that describes how well a device resists dust and water, tested under specific lab conditions. It is one of the few specs on a product page that is genuinely standardized, but the two digits are widely misread, and the rating stops applying in more situations than most buyers realize.
What changed in 2026
- IP68 became common on mid-range wearables and earbuds, not just flagship devices, as sealing components got cheaper to manufacture at scale.
- More brands started publishing the specific depth and duration behind their IP68 claim, after years of vague IP68 labels that hid wildly different real-world protection.
- Regulators in several markets pushed for clearer water-resistance labeling, following complaints about waterproof marketing language on devices that were never tested for swimming or diving.
What the two digits actually mean
The first digit, from 0 to 6, rates protection against solid objects and dust; 6 means fully dust-tight. The second digit, from 0 to 9, rates protection against water; higher numbers mean protection against more forceful or sustained water exposure, such as jets or temporary submersion. An X in place of a digit means that aspect was not tested at all, not that it failed.
The standard behind these two digits is IEC 60529, used internationally, which is part of why the numbers mean the same thing across brands even when marketing language does not. That said, two products with an identical IP68 label can still differ in real-world durability, because manufacturers only have to test to the minimum depth and time required to claim the rating. Some publish the exact figures behind their testing; others simply print IP68 and leave it at that.
| Rating |
Dust protection |
Water protection |
| IPX4 |
Not tested |
Splashes from any direction |
| IP54 |
Limited dust protection |
Splashing water |
| IP67 |
Fully dust-tight |
Submersion up to 1 meter, 30 minutes |
| IP68 |
Fully dust-tight |
Submersion beyond 1 meter, time and depth vary by maker |
Where the rating stops protecting you
IP testing happens in still, fresh water under controlled conditions. It does not account for chlorinated pool water, salt water, water pressure from swimming laps or diving, or hot water. Many manufacturers explicitly exclude these situations from their stated rating, even when the number on the box implies otherwise. The rating also describes the device when new; seals compress and wear with drops, age, and repeated exposure, so a three-year-old IP68 device is not guaranteed to perform like it did on day one.
Why this matters for wearables specifically
IP ratings show up constantly on fitness trackers and earbuds because both get worn through sweat, rain, and washing hands. A rating that only covers splashes is fine for daily wear but is not a green light for swimming; check specifically for a swim-rated device if that is your use case, since not every IP68 product is tested or marketed for swimming.
FAQ
Is IP68 the highest rating a device can have?
For the water digit, 9 exists and covers high-pressure, high-temperature jets, but 8 is the highest commonly seen on consumer electronics.
Does an IP rating mean a device is waterproof?
No device is truly waterproof. IP ratings describe water resistance under specific tested conditions, not permanent, unconditional protection.
Can I swim with an IP68 device?
Sometimes, but check the specific product claim. IP68 alone does not guarantee swim safety; some manufacturers test and certify separately for swimming.
Does an IP rating cover accidental drops?
No. IP ratings measure dust and water resistance only. Drop and shock resistance are separate specifications, often listed alongside but not implied by the IP code.
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